Production of pesticides in Brazil may undergo changes

2018.07.27

Production of pesticides in Brazil may undergo changes in the approval criteria, risk analysis and even the name of products. These changes are foreseen in a bill drafted by the current Minister of Agriculture. The proposal was approved in committee, and now it is under discussion in the House of Representatives. This proposal is defended by businessmen and strongly criticized by environmentalists and medical entities.

Under the new law, the current description of pesticides as “agrotoxics” would be changed to" phytosanitary products " and "environmental control products." It will release temporary licenses to the products and in this bill, pesticide products can get registration if it hasn’t been detected with “unacceptable risk”.

What are written in the proposal

It uses the terms "phytosanitary products" and "environmental control products "instead of" agrotoxics".

Analysis and registration authorizations for the new products will be coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture.

For products that are already registered in three other countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a one-year temporary registration and authorization can be provided. But product analysis shall be redone after that.

Are there any acceptable risks when it comes to public health and protection of the environment.? According to the local organizations and institutes, the answer maybe YES.